South Africa's Mandela returns home after latest hospital stay

Nelson Mandela, seen voting in South Africa's April 2009 elections, was hospitalized on March 27, suffering from a lung infection.

Story highlights

South Africa's governing ANC welcomes the news of Mandela's release from hospital

Nelson Mandela is discharged "following a sustained and gradual improvement"

The former president was admitted to the hospital 10 days ago with a recurring lung infection

The 94-year-old Nobel Peace Prize winner has become increasingly frail in recent years

Former South African President Nelson Mandela was discharged from the hospital Saturday, the country's presidential office said, "following a sustained and gradual improvement in his general condition."

Mandela "will now receive home based high care," the statement said.

The 94-year-old, who was South Africa's first black president, was admitted to the hospital on March 27. He has received treatment for a recurring lung infection and pneumonia.

The governing African National Congress welcomed the news.

"Let us continue to keep President Mandela and his family in our prayers as he continues to receive treatment from home," the party said in a statement.